On Cong Foundation Day, Azad announces sops for farmers

Terming it a gift for the people of the state on the occasion of 121st Foundation Day of Congress party, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday gave more relaxations to the occupants of the state land under Roshni Scheme.

Addressing a press conference at his official residence in Jammu Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Now we've decided to amend the Roshni Act by giving more relaxation, which is beneficial for all those occupants who come under the scheme."

Referring to the amendments done in the scheme, CM said that after 1950's 'Land to Tiller' scheme, it was a major step taken by any state government, "now the limit of the land that would be allotted to the occupant after charging him the price value according to the market value in that particular area is updated from 10 to 100 kanals."

"Under Roshni scheme of National Conference government in 2001, the illegal occupant of agricultural land had to pay 100 per cent price of the land. This was not successful because there was not much relaxation for the people. But under this scheme we've done some amendments and would only charge 10 per cent market price from the occupants of agricultural land, which is a big concession for the farmers."

Azad criticised those who misled the people of the state by terming the Roshni Scheme as "anti-farmers". He said this is a "people-friendly" and would generate state revenue.